As it seeks a partner to contend in the competitive health care market, West Jefferson Medical Center received a clean bill of health in its latest financial audit. The report, released Monday by Legislative Auditor Darryl Purpera, was conducted by Postlethwaite & Netterville of Metairie for the fiscal years ending Dec. 31, 2011 and 2012.

It found that the Marrero public hospital had a slight increase in patient revenue, from $229.4 million in 2011 to $234.1 the next year. The additions of specialty clinics including urology, cardiology and oncology were responsible for the rise, according to the report, as reimbursement rates for those services are higher.

The report found that the hospital's operating expenses rose by 2 percent, from $243.2 million to $248.6 million. The factors contributing to the increase included the addition of its oncology clinic, which opened in mid-2011, as well as the effects from Hurricane Isaac in August.

Isaac cost the hospital $2 million in revenue, while expenses rose by $1 million, the audit said. The medical center remained open during the storm, which inundated the region with rain for three days. But fewer surgeries were performed and there were fewer visits to clinics, the report said. Meanwhile, higher expenses were attributed to increased salaries and repairs to facilities.

The report said the hospital is seeking reimbursements from FEMA for some costs.

It noted that the hospital's bond rating was described as "stable,'' by both Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors services.

West Jefferson and its sibling, East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, are seeking a suitor with financial resources to help the public hospitals stay competitive in the face of shrinking federal reimbursements. Officials at both hospitals have also pointed to provisions in the Affordable Health Care Act that are forcing institutions to reinvent care, primarily from a wellness and prevention perspective.

Last month, the Legislature approved House Bill 383, allowing the Jefferson Parish Council to lease the hospitals to a private entity without a public referendum.